Best Birthday Party Entertainers in Columbus
Here's a list of parent-approved birthday party entertainers to help make your child's day extra special. Browse our ideas (e.g., characters for hire, face painter, kids magician, balloon artist, etc.) to get inspired! These party experts serve the Greater Columbus area, and can travel to your home or birthday party venue.
Browse our list of birthday party themes for additional game ideas, snacks, and activities, and of course, don't forget the goody bags!
Please share your own recommendations, too – ones that truly put the "happy" in happy birthday - and comment with your reviews below!
Mrs. Boggs Face Painting and Balloon Twisting
Kelly R.: Mrs. Boggs is a certified art teacher offering budget-friendly face painting and balloon twisting in Columbus and the surrounding areas. Her offering includes unlimited painting/twisting for any number of kids for the allotted time (1 hour minimum for 1 service or 2 hour minimum for both). You provide a table and chairs, and she brings all of the high quality face paints, glitter, stick on jewels, temporary tattoos, and balloon supplies.
Cost: contact for pricing
The Great Dean-O
Kelly R.: The Great Dean-O specializes in magic shows for preschoolers and kindergarteners. His entire show is tailored especially for young children. Shows include 40 minutes of laughter, magic, and fun, with lots of audience participation.
Ages: 3-7
Cost: contact for pricing
The Turtle Lady
Kelly R.: Nancy "The Turtle Lady" Lockard loves sharing her passion for animals with children, and will give a fun presentation with over 30 animals including turtles of all sizes, bearded dragons, snakes, and amphibians (all captive-born). Programs are around 45-60 minutes long, and kids are allowed to touch the creatures for part of that time. We have seen her show at our local library, and the kids loved it!
Cost: contact for pricing
Mr. Puppet
Kelly R.: Bob Abdou's shows as Mr. Puppet involve storytelling, magic, sing-alongs, and plenty of puppets. A typical show is around 35 minutes.
Ages: 1-11
Cost: starts at $190
The Great Randini Magic Show
Kelly R.: The Great Randini's show includes magic and comedy, and is fun for all ages. The show is casual and fun, and tailored to the age of the audience. Shows range from 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on age.
Ages: 3 - 14
Cost: starts at $130
Miss Dee and Friends
Kelly R.: Miss Dee is a professional balloon artist, clown, and ventriloquist. She performs a variety of different types of entertainment for birthday parties.
Cost: contact for pricing
Magician Carroll Baker
Kelly R.: Carroll Baker performs hundreds of magic shows each year, and his birthday party shows are funny and interactive for all ages. There is a live dove and rabbit component to the show that the birthday child helps perform.
Cost: contact for pricing
Erica Carlson Children's Entertainment
Kelly R.: Erica Carlson has over 15 years of experience entertaining children and their families with balloon sculptures, magic shows, storytelling, face painting, and more. Her balloon sculpting and face painting are great for all ages, and her magic and storytelling shows typically work best for age 2-7. She also teaches workshops showing kids how to twist their own balloons, and these are best for kids age 6+.
Ages: best for 2-7
Cost: contact for pricing
Matt the Balloon Guy
Kelly R.: Matt the Balloon Guy specializes in impressive and intricate balloon sculptures. He will twist balloons at events big and small. Matt even offers a Mallow Blaster, an interactive marshmallow shooter game that is fun for all ages, especially older kids. You can also book Face Doodles by Jen for elaborate full face painting.
Cost: contact for pricing
SuperGames
Katie G.: SuperGames offers plenty of inflatables and other activities available to rent for your next party. While bounces houses and inflatables are what they are known for, you can also rent a portable zipline, giant light bright, portable putt putt, whack a mole, virtual reality, photo booth and plenty more.
Cost: contact for pricing
Perfect Parties
Nancy L.: Perfect Parties can bring almost any type of themed party to your home. You can choose from one of their packages or customize your own. They specialize in setting up fabulously themed sleepover parties in your home. While they mostly targets girls, there is a boy's sleepover option and boys can customize a package as well. Perfect Parties also offers gender-reveal parties and baby showers.
Cost: contact for pricing
Sunshine Farms
Brittany Kozielski: At Sunshine Farms you will find so many great activities for your children to enjoy. One of the great parts of their farm is their mobile petting zoo that can be brought to your home. They have a variety of animals including rabbits, ducks, goats, sheep and much more. There is even horseback riding! You can also consider renting their barn for your next party.
Cost: mobile petting zoo starts at $200 for 1 hour
Magic Nate
Kelly R.: Nate LeGros has studied magic for over 20 years, and has performed professionally for over 7. He performs a mixture of classic and modern magic, adding in his stage and street experience, to create a unique offering for every show. Birthday parties are one of his specialties.
Cost: contact for pricing
Paulette's Princess Parties
Kelly R.: Paulette's Princess Parties hosts memorable events at your home, another venue of your choice, or at The Dance Extension in Dublin. Party options range from 30 minutes to 2 hours, with themes like Princesses, Fairies, Pirates, Super Heroes, and more. Parties can include a special character visit, with your choice of over 40 different characters that sing, dance, act, do interactive stories, and more. Ms. Paulette also offers camps, dance and theater classes, and other special events.
Cost: character visits start at $110 for 30 mins, custom parties start at $28 per guest
Buckeye Mobile Laser Tag
Katie G.: Bring the exciting game of laser tag to you for your child's next birthday party. Buckeye Mobile Laser Tag will bring all the equipment, including barriers and guns, to your home, park, indoor facility or whatever location you choose. Each party comes with a Game Coach to facilitate the games and make sure everyone is having fun.
Cost: parties start at $199 for up to 10 guests
Primary photo: Upparent
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.